Welsh on Me

For a long while now I have only had one male duck for 25 female ducks. I needed another male to take up the slack and make my girls happy. I had sold off all the males after things got tough financially on our farm last fall. No point feeding male ducks that just eat all winter. So I made cages and took them to auction and kept the females for eggs.

But as summer is in full swing this year, most small animals auction are closed do to summer travel and the heat. So I did not have many options looking for a male duck. I could have ordered male ducklings but they would not be old enough for my flocks needs. I needed a teenage or adult male duck. Luckily, I have facebook friends and one had a male Welsh Harlequin they were going to sell at the local farmers market last weekend. I went to take a look and verify it was a he. But it was fully feathered and I could not find his vent. I felt dumb, but it was hot outside,the duck was good natured and I took a gamble. This week he joined my flock and has adapted well. He goes in with the flock at night. He has beautiful feathers and a sweet personality. I think he will make pretty ducklings this fall and winter. The funny thing is that my Indian Runner ducks I thought were all female- aren't. This week I saw curly tails for three of the eight I have. So I now have all new males on my farm. This means a new chapter in the variety I will raise.

Life and Death and put to task

This is my friend Alfreda and her dog Oso and the yams she grew in her garden. This was taken two years before her younger brothers died and later her husband. This week her oldest adult son at the age of just 44 died at home, alone with his two dogs. He was ill and no one knew. He was retired Navy, did not feel well, went to the ER came home and then died.His ex-wife called and called with no response. His younger brother and sister went to his house and found him. This has torn the heart of out this wonderful woman I know. She cleans houses for a living, grows her own vegetables and takes care of anyone who needs it. She is very religious, of a kind heart, and has the strength of 100 women her age. We got the call from an out of state friend to go to her and be with her. I had just come in from working my own farm. I drove light speed to her house and was the first to hug her. We cried and talked. Soon others began to call and show up as well. I could she her shock. She was planning to moving in with that son. She feels guilty for not doing so, that she could have saved him. But I know that is not why. God spared her being at the death of another loved one. She was there for the deaths of her brothers and husband. This time she was spared. Her youngest son is taking care of everything for her. Her deceased son will be cremated and placed next to his veteran father in a Veterans Cemetery here in the Ozarks. But this happy full of life woman will have another death to morn and loved one to miss. I do not envy her life but I admire her spirit and faith. I am so glad to be a part of her life, even in the hard parts.